Northern India encountered the recurring annual pre-winter event of air emergency where the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of main pollutant PM 2.5 breached the 400-mark of “very poor” and landed the air of Delhi, Punjab and other northern cities into the “hazardous” category.

The air quality in Delhi remained in the “severe” category for the fourth day in a row on Saturday. The average air quality index, or AQI, stood at 408 at 1pm local, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ System of Air Quality and Weather

Delhi's air quality reached hazardous levels with an AQI of 409, prompting urgent health advisories and government measures amid severe pollution.

Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Sunday morning, with air quality levels plunging to severe levels, leaving residents grappling with poor visibility and health risks. The dense haze, caused by a mix of local pollution and the seasonal crop burning in neighbouring states,

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI), as per ANI, spiked to 428 at 8 am, firmly placing it in the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Lodhi Road, Burari crossing, and Sri Aurobindo Marg maintained 'very poor' air quality levels, with AQI readings around 350.

Airport dropped to 800 meters at 7:30 am, leading to 107 flights being delayed and 3 cancelled, according to Flightradar.

Following the constant deterioration in air quality, restrictions under the GRAP stage 3 came into force on November 15. Authorities intensified action against those violating norms with teams of traffic police,